MATRADE AND DHL EXPRESS DEEPEN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO STRENGTHEN EXPORT RESILIENCE OF MALAYSIAN MSMES

^{YBhg. Dato’ Abu Bakar Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, and Julian Neo, Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei.}


New MoU extends collaboration in MSME export training and development

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and DHL Express have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), extending their strategic partnership to strengthen the export readiness and competitiveness of local businesses. The agreement deepens both parties’ role and contribution to enhance the capabilities of Malaysian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to overcome market barriers and expand overseas. 

Through the initiative, companies registered with MATRADE can continue to participate in the ‘Trade and Grow Beyond Borders’ programme, which combines online content and in-person workshops. Facilitated by DHL Express’ international specialists and industry partners, the training course provides insights into ecommerce, financing, marketing, logistics, customs compliance, and sustainable scaling. These topics are made more pertinent as entrepreneurs navigate a trade climate marked by disruption and uncertainty. 

The programme further aligns with MATRADE’s 2026 roadmap and active push for Malaysian businesses to diversify beyond traditional markets, guiding exporters toward high-growth opportunities in ASEAN, South Asia, Central Asia, and Africa. This strategic imperative is underscored by shifting US tariff regimes, the 30 percent decline in Malaysia’s West Asia trade amid ongoing regional conflicts, and elevated freight risk premiums that continue to weigh on export competitiveness.

The MoU was formalised today by YBhg. Dato’ Abu Bakar Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, and Julian Neo, Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei. 

 “Enhancing MSME capability and integration in global value chains is central to MATRADE’s mission, and that mission has never been more urgent,” said YBhg. Dato’ Abu Bakar. “The current trade landscape demands that Malaysian businesses be better prepared as well as more diversified and resilient than ever before. Our exporters are managing tough conditions, such as evolving tariff policies, supply chain dislocations, and heightened freight risks. The renewed collaboration with DHL equips our homegrown enterprises with precisely the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate these pressures and seize new opportunities in markets actively welcoming Malaysian goods and services. This is how we build Malaysian brands that do not merely survive disruption, but grow through it.”

The MoU builds on the foundation established by the initial contract inked in November 2022. Since then, the joint programme has drawn close to 700 participants across sessions in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Penang, Kedah, Pahang, Sabah and Sarawak. Seven (7) local MSMEs were also selected for the DHL GoTrade GBSN Fellowship where they were paired with postgraduate students from the Global Business School Network for complementary learning and mentoring. The collaboration culminated with both parties co-hosting the DHL GoTrade Summit 2025—the first time the event was held outside of Germany—in conjunction with Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN.

“As a facilitator of global trade, we have extensive experience in connecting businesses to customers and communities worldwide,” said Julian. “Sharing this expertise with MSMEs to help amplify their commercial reach represents one of the many ways we contribute to inclusive economic prosperity and equity. Our longstanding relationship with MATRADE demonstrates the power of public-private cooperation in advancing this mandate.”

‘Trade and Grow Beyond Borders’ is an initiative conducted under the banner of GoTrade, one of DHL Group’s social impact programmes aimed at reducing trade barriers and empowering MSMEs to engage in cross-border trade by leveraging DHL’s resources. This year’s DHL GoTrade Summit will be held in Manila, Philippines, on 6th October 2026.